Google has announced a bunch of updates to its AI Mode in Search, which debuted earlier this year.
For starters, AI Mode allows users to search with natural language in a conversational style and is powered by Google"s Gemini AI models. It leverages something called "multimodal search," allowing users to incorporate images alongside text to refine or enhance their queries. With the help of Google"s current search infrastructure, Gemini models deliver up-to-date and context-aware answers.
With the new update, users will now be able to begin searching by uploading or selecting photos and ask conversational follow-up questions about them. A new “visual search fan-out” technology allows the AI to analyze multiple elements within images, both primary and secondary objects, and provide deeply relevant visual results.
Instead of using filters, users will be able to describe what they want visually, for example, seeking "maximalist bedroom inspo" with a preference for "dark tones” as showcased by Google in its press release.
It looks like companies are pushing AI-powered shopping features, like ChatGPT"s recently announced Shopify integration. Google has also sprinkled some of its AI magic on Search, where users can leverage AI Mode to describe what they want to buy conversationally, such as “barrel jeans that aren’t too baggy” or “more ankle length options.”
The AI leverages Google’s Shopping Graph, a live database with over 50 billion product listings updated hourly, ensuring fresh, relevant, and personalized product recommendations.
The Shopping Graph helps you see products from stores around the world — from major retailers to local shops — each with details like reviews, latest deals, colorways and availability. This means you’ll see only the freshest shopping results, because every hour more than 2 billion of those product listings are refreshed on Google.
Google says that its improved search experience can be attributed to "world-class visual understanding of Google Search with Lens and Image search, combined with Gemini 2.5’s advanced multimodal and language capabilities."
Google"s improved AI Mode search experience is rolling out in the U.S. this week.